Nothing earth shattering, but here are a few notes and links from today. By the way, it’s cold outside. Just an FYI.

• I tweeted earlier today that a source told me the Yankees have no interest in catcher George Kottaras, who was designated for assignment a week ago. Kottaras seemed to fit as a potential left-handed platoon player, but the Yankees seem intent on staying in house behind the plate.

• For whatever it’s worth, former GM Bob Watson told reporters that he believes the Yankees will try to get under $189-million next season but will still be willing to spend more if necessary. “You’ve got to remember, George (Steinbrenner) had fiscal restraints this time of year,” Watson said. “But spring training, the first month or in the heat of the pennant chase, that went off.”

• Not sure what exactly to make of this, or whether it matters, but it’s interesting: Ken Rosenthal reports that the Yankees might save less than they expected – because of certain teams increasing their own spending — by getting under the luxury tax threshold. Hard to tell how much less, and certainly hard to know whether those decreased savings will impact the Yankees decision making.

• Buster Olney picked the 2009 Yankees as the second-best infield of all time behind the 1976 Reds. Previously, Olney picked the 1961 Yankees as having the best outfield in baseball history (Maris, Mantle and Berra) and the 1998 Yankees as having the best bullpen (Rivera, Nelson, Mendoza, Stanton, Lloyd).

• Major League Baseball officially announced that the 2015 All-Star game will be in Cincinnati. This year’s All-Star game will be at Citi Field and 2014′s will be in Minneapolis.